The Water Utilities Corporation (WUC) Maun, has reported a significant progress in combating the theft of brass water meters by approximately 75%, and a 52.5% reduction in pipeline damages in Maun.
WUC Maun General Manager Paul Mafavuneh, said these developments have brought considerable savings for customers and highlighted the effectiveness of a collaborative approach with local stakeholders that include the Maun Police.
“We have been working around the clock with other stakeholders to rectify issues we have faced with vandalism of pipelines and theft of brass meters. Placing the protection of state property as a priority has been essential to thwart these issues,” Mafavuneh stated.
Recent statistics underscore the success of these efforts. During the months of June and July, Maun recorded 19 stolen brass meters, a significant decrease from the 75 reported in April and May of this year alone. This reduction signifies a 74.67% drop in brass meter thefts, a remarkable improvement that has had a direct financial impact on customers.
To put this into perspective, the cost of a single brass meter theft is approximately P500 excluding water loss, which is charged to the customer. During April and May, with 75 theft incidents, customers were collectively charged around P37,500. However, with the drop to 19 thefts in June and July, this cost has been reduced to P9,500, resulting in a savings of P28,000 for customers over the two-month period.
In addition to the reduction in meter thefts, pipeline damages have also seen a notable decline. Over the past two months, there have been 16 incidents of pipeline damage, a significant reduction considering the troubling statistics from the past year. Maun has experienced the highest number of pipeline vandalism cases at 240, followed by Chanoga and Makalamabedi, each reporting 96 cases from May 2023 to May 2024 for a period of 12 months.
In addition to the reduction in meter thefts, pipeline damages have also seen a notable decline. Over the past two months, there have been 19 incidents of pipeline damage in Maun, a significant reduction compared to the average of 40 cases reported during the same period last year. In June and July 2023, pipeline incidents cost approximately P420,000 in repairs excluding water losses. However, with the decrease to 19 incidents in June and July 2024, the repair costs dropped to P199,500, resulting in a savings of P220,500.
“We have put a lot of strategies in place to combat these issues, including more strategic raids during key times, such as night and early morning, while also conducting random checks at times least expected during the day,” Mafavuneh explained. “Additionally, we have made a transition from brass meters to plastic meters, which has shown a drastic change in meter theft as these types of meters are less likely to be stolen.”
Despite these successes, Mafavuneh acknowledged that the issue of theft and vandalism persists, and continued efforts are necessary to fully eradicate the problem. “While the partnership between Water Utilities and its stakeholders has made significant progress, we must remain vigilant. Ongoing efforts are crucial to thwart criminal activities and ensure the safety and reliability of our water infrastructure.”
Mafavuneh concluded by expressing his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have led to these improvements. “I am thankful for the active role of our department and other departments in reducing the crime rate. I appeal to the public to continue collaborating with us by reporting any suspicious activities.”
The continued vigilance and cooperation between Water Utilities, the Maun Police, and the community will be key to sustaining these positive trends and ensuring the protection of vital water resources in the region.
